If Perron wants NIL money and gets persuaded, let him walk. However, I'd say you could probably pencil him in for 11-15 goals next year. That's hard to replace. I hope UND can retain all their players, they could have a nice team next year with a few more additions of some Canadian Juniors or a portal player or two.
D-core could be real good next year. Have to retain Livanavage, Laurila will be a nice freshman coming in.
Hate to speculate, but it's a fan forum, would Emery potentially transfer? Did fine, was a very young college player in the NCAA this year. UND's D-core will be deep, if healthy and that's a big IF with Zmolek, Zmolek is going to play. Komzak days are for sure done, he'll enter the portal find a new team, no disrespect to the kid.
College hockey has more parity than ever. The reason Michigan State is at the top this year is because their young players are now juniors. A veteran team usually wins the Natty, not just a team w/ freshman or sophomore studs.
Also, Berry crapped the bed last off-season in the portal. Besides Wilkie, def. needed an extra forward. Bringing in a late recruit of Dalton Andrew was not what the team needed, no disrespect to Dalton. He may develop and earn some time someday.
Hindsight is 20/20 but had UND not had some injuries and beat Michigan last year, I bet they would have made the frozen four and then who knows.
This team this year reminds me of Collin Adams, Grant Mishmash sophomore season. Team was garbage.
Even if this team still had Blake, they’d be raw.
Team is missing the juice and grit. Lost defenseman from last year that were experienced and would make a hit. On the forward side, you had Johannes who brought energy and grit.
This team doesn’t have it.
Decent freshman class. Need a goalie to step up for next year. Need to find some studs (portal, canada leagues) to play with Sacha next year.
This year is over.
I believe Western Michigan replaced more than us and have been a surprise. Arizona had a few transfers. Berry’s worst year in the transfer portal imo too.
That org has a huge youth development issue too.
If I’m Emery I enjoy my development time as long as possible at UND. He’s a good player no need to rush him to the NHL.
College players game imo seems more well rounded plus USA’s high end talent continues to evolve in the last decade+.
I’d take Macklin Celebrini’s style and two way game over Conor Bedard any day. Kudos for Macklin playing 1 year of college puck. In add. I didn’t see a better defenseman on Canada’s team better than Biuum tonight, not even close.
Wild got a great pick there.
Cole Hutson has had a great tournament so far. Offensively gifted, Zeev has higher IQ and more tenacity plus better defensively too.
Some solid Little Caesars played in the 16 age tournament (forgot what it was called) I believe in Fargo last year. I’d be shocked if UND coaches aren’t aware of some kids currently on the Little Caesars team.
Also, Ryan Kesler is a prick off ice too That is all.
Pretty crazy he didn’t get a sniff as a first round draft pick and also having an excellent first half of college hockey against physical mature and stronger young adults.